Packaging protection arrangement and support element therefor

ABSTRACT

A support panel for use in protecting a piece of merchandise packaged within a bubble portion adhered to a card portion. The support panel includes a support enclosure defining a receptacle that is sized and configured to house the bubble portion therein and to generally conform to a number of corresponding exterior surfaces of the bubble portion. The support panel also includes a planar portion that extends outward from a periphery of the receptacle that is sized and configured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/282,261 filed on Nov. 23, 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protective enclosures. More specifically, the present invention relates to protective enclosures used to prevent collectable objects and the packaging thereof from being damaged.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The value of a collectable object is often related to the age and overall condition of the object. To that end, great pains are taken to preserve collectables. Without proper protection, it is extremely difficult to retain the condition and resulting value of an antique or collectable object. Any post hoc operations are largely unable to recapture the full value of collectable merchandise, such as an action figure or figurine, if the original packaging of said figure is damaged. There is therefore a need for a protective enclosure to encase the packaging and thereby preserve the value of the figure.

Frequently, collectable merchandise such as figures are sold in packaging that comprises a card portion and a bubble portion glued thereto, an example of such merchandise 10 is shown in FIG. 1 . In such an arrangement, the card portion 12 is generally a paper stock panel with graphics and information printed thereon. The bubble portion 14 is generally a transparent thin plastic partial enclosure that, when glued to the card portion 12, defines a sealed enclosure 16 in which the collectable FIG. 18 is housed for display. The bubble portion 14 is used to protect and display the FIG. 18 , but the bubble portion 14 itself remains uncovered. Therefore, the bubble portion 14 may be damaged by collisions with external objects, or the bubble portion 14 may become brittle with age. Because the two packaging components (i.e., card portion 12 and bubble portion 14) are constructed from different types of materials of varying rigidity/strength/etc., motion between the two components may cause the bubble portion 14 to become partially or completely detached from the card portion 12 over time, thus resulting in a breach and/or complete breakdown of the sealed enclosure 16. Further, the lack of protection for the bubble portion 14 leaves the bubble portion 14 susceptible to becoming damaged or dislodged by the FIG. 18 if the FIG. 18 is able to move relative to the two packaging components. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14 , the FIG. 18 may eventually break free of the sealed original plastic bubble enclosure 16 and reduce the overall value of the collectable object.

Attempts have been made to address these issues using box-like transparent enclosures to encapsulate the merchandise 10. FIG. 2 shows an example of such an arrangement in which the merchandise 10 is contained within such a transparent protective enclosure 20. While such arrangements do provide a certain level of protection to the components (i.e., card portion 12, bubble portion 14, and FIG. 18 ) of the merchandise 10, such arrangements commonly leave the components of the merchandise 10 free to move relative to each other. Further, these attempts do not provide support to the bubble portion 14, and thus leave the bubble portion 14 susceptible to forces acting thereon such as from gravity and/or to jostling of, or impacts to, the protective enclosure 20 in which the merchandise 10 is encased. Similarly, these protective enclosures 20 are not designed to brace the bubble portion 14 against collisions with the FIG. 18 . Such hazards can cause the bubble portion 14 to become disfigured or to separate from the card portion 12, or the FIG. 18 to breach the bubble portion 14, in each case thus causing the FIG. 18 and/or merchandise 10 to irreparably lose value. Accordingly, a need exists for improved arrangements for displaying and protecting collectible merchandise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by embodiments of the present invention which include a support panel for use in protecting a piece or pieces of merchandise (e.g., without limitation, action figures, toys of different sizes and shapes, etc.) packaged within a bubble portion adhered to a card portion. The support panel comprises a support enclosure defining a receptacle that is structured to house the bubble portion therein and to generally conform to a number of corresponding exterior surfaces of the bubble portion. The support panel also comprises a planar portion that extends outward from a periphery of the receptacle and is structured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure.

The support enclosure may be mounted adjacent to the planar portion. The receptacle may extend through a second face of the support panel into the support enclosure. The support enclosure may comprise a plurality of lateral support panels and at least one central support panel. Each of the plurality of lateral support panels may be angularly offset from the planar portion. The plurality of lateral support panels may be perimetrically connected around the central support panel. The central support panel may be positioned offset from the planar portion, across the plurality of lateral support panels. Each of the plurality of lateral support panels may be angularly offset from the planar portion by an obtuse angle.

The support panel may further comprise a filtering material that may be superimposed onto the planar portion and the support enclosure. The support panel may further comprise a quantity of desiccant material that may be integrated into the support panel. The at least one support enclosure may be a plurality of support enclosures. The plurality of support enclosures may be distributed across the support panel. The support panel may further comprise a back panel and a tamper-evident seal that may be perimetrically connected in between the support panel and the back panel.

As another aspect of the present invention a system employing a protective enclosure and support panel for use in protecting a piece of merchandise packaged within a bubble portion adhered to a card portion is provided. The system comprises a support enclosure defining a receptacle that is structured to house the bubble portion therein and to generally conform to a number of corresponding exterior surfaces of the bubble portion and a planar portion that extends outward from a periphery of the receptacle and is structured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure. The system further comprises a transparent protective enclosure that is structured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure and is structured to prevent displacement of the merchandise relative to the planar portion and the bubble portion.

The support enclosure may be mounted adjacent to the planar portion. The receptacle may extend through a second face of the support panel into the support enclosure. The support enclosure may comprise a plurality of lateral support panels and at least one central support panel. Each of the plurality of lateral support panels may be angularly offset from the planar portion. The plurality of lateral support panels may be perimetrically connected around the central support panel. The central support panel may be positioned offset from the planar portion, across the plurality of lateral support panels. Further, each of the plurality of lateral support panels is angularly offset from the planar portion by an obtuse angle.

The support panel may further comprise a filtering material that may be superimposed onto the planar portion and the support enclosure. The support panel may further comprise a quantity of desiccant material that may be integrated into the support panel. The at least one support enclosure may be a plurality of support enclosures. The plurality of support enclosures may be distributed across the support panel.

As yet a further aspect of the present invention, a method for protecting merchandise packaged within a bubble portion adhered to a card portion of a packaging arrangement is provided. The method comprises providing a support panel having: a support enclosure defining a receptacle that is structured to house the bubble portion of the packaging arrangement therein and to generally conform to a number of corresponding exterior surfaces of the bubble portion; and a planar portion that extends outward from a periphery of the receptacle and is structured to be disposed against the card portion of the packaging arrangement when the bubble portion of the packaging arrangement is housed within the support enclosure. The method further comprises: inserting the bubble portion of the packaging arrangement into the support enclosure of the support panel; and pressing the planar portion of the support panel against the card portion of the packaging arrangement.

The method may further comprise: providing a transparent protective enclosure that is structured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure, and wherein the protective enclosure is structured to prevent displacement of the merchandise relative to the planar portion and the bubble portion; and mounting the packaging arrangement and the support panel within the protective enclosure.

The method may further comprise sealing the protective enclosure.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example of a piece of collectible merchandise as commonly known in the art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a piece of collectible merchandise disposed within a protective case as known in the art;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a support panel in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the support panel of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a portion of a support panel and a support enclosure thereof in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views showing a support panel, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , being positioned on a piece of collectable merchandise, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a piece of collectible merchandise such as shown in FIG. 1 along with an example protection arrangement in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention including a support panel such as shown in FIGS. 3-7 ;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side sectional view in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention where multiple support enclosures are distributed across a support panel such as shown in FIGS. 3-7 ;

FIG. 10 is a schematic side sectional view in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention where a tamper-evident seal is connected in between a support panel, such as shown in FIGS. 3-7 , and a back panel;

FIG. 11 is a front assembly view of the protection arrangement of the exploded view of FIG. 8 shown housing the piece of collectible merchandise;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the protection arrangement and piece of collectible merchandise housed therein of FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the protection arrangement and piece of collectible merchandise housed therein of FIGS. 11 and 12 ;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example of a piece of collectible merchandise wherein the merchandise (e.g., a figure) has breached the sealed enclosure via a hole therein such as known in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide partial and full enclosure arrangements for use in preserving/protecting the physical state of a collectible item or items as well as the packaging in which the item(s) is(are) originally packaged. Preferably, although not necessarily, such arrangements are formed from a transparent material. Such arrangements include support elements and packaging protection arrangements using such support elements. Such arrangements are intended to preserve/protect, while also providing for the display of, collectible merchandise such as action figures and other items having a packaging arrangement including at least one bubble portion 14 adhered to a card portion 12, such as (for example, without limitation) the collectible merchandise 10 previously described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2 . The arrangements are constructed so as to provide support to the bubble portion 14 of the merchandise 10 in a manner that shields the bubble portion 14 from damage caused by exposure to external hazards. Further, the present invention may be structured to provide a brace that prevents the bubble portion 14 from becoming dislodged or deformed by movement of the FIG. 18 relative to the bubble portion 14 or the card portion 12. The present invention may inhibit potential movement of the bubble portion 14 with respect to the card portion 12 while generally maintaining complete visibility of the merchandise 10 so as to generally not interfere with the display thereof.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not “structured to [verb].”

To achieve the aforementioned functionality, the present invention provides a support panel 30, an example of which in accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , as well as FIGS. 5-7 , support panel 30 is formed from a clear material (e.g., without limitation, plastic, acrylic, or a composite) so as to generally not obscure the merchandise 10. Support panel 30 includes a support enclosure 32 having a number of inner surfaces defining a receptacle 34 that is contoured so as to generally conform to a number of corresponding exterior surfaces of the bubble portion 14 of merchandise 10. As used herein, “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). As used herein, the phrase “generally conform” shall mean that the support enclosure 32 lies coextensive with the bubble portion 14 with substantially no gap between the support enclosure 32 and the bubble portion 14 when the bubble portion 14 is inserted into the receptacle 34 of the support enclosure 32. Support panel 30 further includes a planar portion 36 that extends outward from the periphery of receptacle 34.

In an example embodiment of the support panel 30 such as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 5 , the support enclosure 32 comprises a plurality of lateral support panels 38 and at least one central support panel 40. The plurality of lateral support panels 38 forms a lateral sidewall of the support enclosure 32. Additionally, the central support panel 40 forms a base of the support enclosure 32. In some embodiments, the support enclosure 32 is a frustum-shaped device that tapers to conform to the exterior surface of the bubble portion. To facilitate this, each of the plurality of lateral support panels 38 is angularly offset from the planar portion 36 of support panel 30. Additionally, the plurality of lateral support panels 38 is perimetrically connected around the planar central support panel 40. Further, the central support panel 40 is positioned offset from the planar portion 36, across the plurality of lateral support panels 38. Thus positioned, the plurality of lateral support panels 38 forms a protective support structure that is pressed against the lateral sidewalls of the bubble portion 14 of the merchandise 10. Similarly, the central support panel 40 forms a protective structure that is pressed against the front face of the bubble portion 14. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of lateral support panels 38 is angularly offset from the planar portion 36 by an obtuse angle 0. Accordingly, the support enclosure 32 forms a protruding structure that tapers away from the planar portion 36.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and the upper portion of 8, when support panel 30 is positioned on merchandise 10 with the bubble portion 14 nested within receptacle 34 of support enclosure 32, the planar portion 36 of support panel 30 is disposed against the card portion 12 of merchandise 10. In some example embodiments of the present invention, enclosure 32 and planar portion 36 are formed as portions of a single integral piece of material. Depending on the particular application, planar portion 36 may be sized such that an outer perimeter 42 thereof coincides with an outer perimeter 44 of card portion 12 of merchandise 10. In such application, support panel 30 thus functions generally as a supportive shield protecting the entire front of the merchandise 10 and supporting bubble portion 14 with respect to card portion 12 while not appreciably obstructing an observer's view of merchandise 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, support panel 30 is constructed as a multilayered transparent structure that is designed to not only protect the merchandise 10 from physical forces but also to protect the merchandise 10 from sunlight and/or other forms of radiation. To facilitate this, support panel 30 may further comprise a filtering material 46 (FIG. 5 ) provided as one or more of a coating or a membrane of material provided on a side of panel 30, and/or as all, or a portion of the material from which support panel 30 is formed. The filtering material 46 prevents harmful radiation, such as ultraviolet light, from damaging the packaging and the object contained therein.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a quantity of desiccant material 50 is integrated into the support panel 30 so that the present invention is able to remove unwanted moisture and prevent water damage to the merchandise 10 (FIGS. 5 and 10 ). Additionally, the quantity of desiccant material 50 may be impregnated into the support panel 30 such that the support panel 30 is constructed from a desiccant material. Alternatively, discrete quantities of desiccant material 50 may be distributed across the support panel 30. A transparent support lattice may be integrated into the support panel 30 and the support enclosure 32. Accordingly, the transparent support lattice provides a supplemental structure to further protect the bubble portion 14 of the merchandise 10 from being disfigured. A friction reducing liner may be superimposed onto the second face 52 so that the card portion 12 of the merchandise 10 is further protected from being marred.

In supplemental embodiments, the at least one support enclosure 32 is a plurality of support enclosures 29 that is distributed across the planar portion 36. In these embodiments, the present invention is used to protect merchandise 10 that has a plurality of bubble portions 14 distributed across the card portion 12. Specifically, each of the plurality of bubble portions 14 is housed within a corresponding support enclosure 29 from the plurality of support enclosures 29. In further embodiments, the plurality of support enclosures 29 is used to protect a plurality of merchandise 10 in a display. In supplemental embodiments, the support enclosure 32 is constructed as a multi-tiered or multifaceted structure, as shown in FIG. 9 . In these embodiments, each tier or facet is formed by a plurality of lateral support panels 28 being connected in between a corresponding upper planar support panel 47 and a corresponding lower planar support panel 48. Further, the receptacle 3 extends into the support enclosure 32 from the second face 52 of the support panel 30 to the upper planar support panel 47 delineating a highest tier of the multi-tiered support enclosure 32 structure.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the present invention is designed to preserve the condition and value of collectible objects. To facilitate this, the present invention may further comprise a back panel 4 and a tamper-evident seal 5. The tamper-evident seal 5 is perimetrically connected in between the support panel 30 and the back panel 4. As a result, the back panel 4 and the tamper-evident seal 5 prevent the merchandise 10 from being modified by unauthorized individuals.

FIGS. 8 and 11-13 show the support panel 30 and the support enclosure 32 mounted onto the merchandise 10 and enclosed in the protective enclosure 20. A method for mounting the merchandise 10 within the protective enclosure 20 begins by inserting the bubble portion 14 into the receptacle 34. The method continues by pressing the planar portion 36 against the card portion 12. The method continues by mounting the merchandise 10 and the support panel 30 within the protective enclosure 20. The method concludes by sealing the protective enclosure 20.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A support panel for use in protecting a piece of merchandise packaged within a bubble portion adhered to a card portion, the support panel comprising: a support enclosure defining a receptacle that is structured to house the bubble portion therein and to generally conform to a number of corresponding exterior surfaces of the bubble portion; and a planar portion that extends outward from a periphery of the receptacle and is structured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure.
 2. The support panel of claim 1 comprising: the support enclosure being mounted adjacent to the planar portion; the receptacle extending through a second face of the support panel into the support enclosure; the support enclosure comprising a plurality of lateral support panels and at least one central support panel; each of the plurality of lateral support panels being angularly offset from the planar portion; the plurality of lateral support panels being perimetrically connected around the central support panel; and the central support panel being positioned offset from the planar portion, across the plurality of lateral support panels.
 3. The support panel of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of lateral support panels is angularly offset from the planar portion by an obtuse angle.
 4. The support panel of claim 1 comprising: a filtering material; and the filtering material being superimposed onto the planar portion and the support enclosure.
 5. The support panel of claim 1 comprising: a quantity of desiccant material; and the quantity of desiccant material being integrated into the support panel.
 6. The support panel of claim 1 comprising: the at least one support enclosure being a plurality of support enclosures; and the plurality of support enclosures being distributed across the support panel.
 7. The support panel of claim 1 comprising: a back panel; a tamper-evident seal; and the tamper-evident seal being perimetrically connected in between the support panel and the back panel.
 8. A system employing a protective enclosure and support panel for use in protecting a piece of merchandise packaged within a bubble portion adhered to a card portion, the system comprising: a support panel comprising: a support enclosure defining a receptacle that is structured to house the bubble portion therein and to generally conform to a number of corresponding exterior surfaces of the bubble portion; and a planar portion that extends outward from a periphery of the receptacle and is structured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure; and a transparent protective enclosure that is structured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure, and wherein the protective enclosure is structured to prevent displacement of the merchandise relative to the planar portion and the bubble portion.
 9. The system of claim 8 comprising: the support enclosure being mounted adjacent to the planar portion; the receptacle extending through a second face of the support panel into the support enclosure; the support enclosure comprising a plurality of lateral support panels and at least one central support panel; each of the plurality of lateral support panels being angularly offset from the planar portion; the plurality of lateral support panels being perimetrically connected around the central support panel; and the central support panel being positioned offset from the planar portion, across the plurality of lateral support panels.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of lateral support panels is angularly offset from the planar portion by an obtuse angle.
 11. The system of claim 9 comprising: a filtering material; and the filtering material being superimposed onto the planar portion and the support enclosure.
 12. The system of claim 9 comprising: a quantity of desiccant material; and the quantity of desiccant material being integrated into the support panel.
 13. The system of 9 comprising: the at least one support enclosure being a plurality of support enclosures; and the plurality of support enclosures being distributed across the support panel.
 14. A method for protecting merchandise packaged within a bubble portion adhered to a card portion of a packaging arrangement, the method comprising: providing a support panel having: a support enclosure defining a receptacle that is structured to house the bubble portion of the packaging arrangement therein and to generally conform to a number of corresponding exterior surfaces of the bubble portion; and a planar portion that extends outward from a periphery of the receptacle and is structured to be disposed against the card portion of the packaging arrangement when the bubble portion of the packaging arrangement is housed within the support enclosure; inserting the bubble portion of the packaging arrangement into the support enclosure of the support panel; and pressing the planar portion of the support panel against the card portion of the packaging arrangement.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing a transparent protective enclosure that is structured to be disposed against the card portion when the bubble portion is housed within the support enclosure, and wherein the protective enclosure is structured to prevent displacement of the merchandise relative to the planar portion and the bubble portion; and; mounting the packaging arrangement and the support panel within the protective enclosure.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising sealing the protective enclosure. 